It has been nearly a decade since the toxic drug crisis was declared a public health emergency in B.C., youth across the province have been profoundly impacted by deaths within their families and communities. The Community Action Initiative has announced that youth can now access specialized bereavement care to help support their emotional health and wellness.

Through Community Action Initiative (CAI), 12 organizations in B.C. have been awarded new Youth Wellness Grant funding to provide community-based bereavement care for youth and their families who are left grieving. Funding for this initiative has been provided by the Ministry of Health鈥檚 Overdose Response Branch. Grant awards are for $80,000 per year for a three year term. 

The recipient in the Comox Valley is the Comox Valley Hospice Society. 

鈥淭he toxic drug crisis continues to have a devastating impact on communities and families across the province, and it can be especially difficult for young people who are struggling with the loss of a loved one, family member or friend,鈥� said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. 鈥淧roviding community-based bereavement grants helps provide the support youth need and deserve during a difficult time in their life. This is just one way our government is expanding and enhancing supports so that everyone, including young people, can access a seamless system of mental health and addictions care where and when they need it.鈥�

The grants will support organizations to provide specialized community supports for youth and families who have been affected by toxic drug poisonings, including individual and group programs, land-based activities, cultural healing, expressive arts therapies, family-centred activities, and peer supports. Youth engagement is at the heart of each organization鈥檚 project, with youth in program advisory and peer leadership roles.